KIDDERMINSTER Carolians’ director of rugby Phil Knowles heaped praise on players and coaches after Saturday’s last-gasp 12-7 derby victory over Stourbridge Lions.

George Moran’s converted effort and a last-gasp winner from Rob Phillips ensured KCs head off into the Christmas break in good spirits and end a testing first half of the season on a high.

Head coach Ian Bletcher has had to cope with a lengthy injury list but despite this, KCs are mid-table in the Midlands Division Two West (South) with six wins out of 11 games.

“I’ve got to praise Ian and Andy McLellan, they’ve both been feeling the pressure ahead of this game because Stourbridge is such a big derby for us.

“It was a proper old fashioned game of rugby which was played in front of a big crowd because it was our chairman’s day.

“Ian has had a lot of injury problems to deal with this season but he’s got the best out of the players and helped to generate a great spirit.”

Saturday’s clash had been scoreless at half-time but the boots of McLelland and Moran, as well as the power of Mitch Hardwick, saw them take the initiative.

KCs resume the league on Saturday, January 4 at home to Nuneaton Old Edwardians.